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"Is this… really something you improved?" Professor Slughorn asked in surprise.
"Yes," Robert nodded.
Robert was certain that this formula hadn't been invented yet and might only be improved in the future. Otherwise, Professor Slughorn would have mentioned the current version earlier.
After all, The Complete Guide to Elementary Alchemy Recipes even recorded recipes for potions that would appear in the future. Spending 5,000 merit points to access this knowledge was definitely worth it.
Even if this formula already existed, Robert wasn't worried. If his version turned out to be identical to the secret formula, wouldn't that just prove his talent? After all, there was no way Professor Slughorn would suspect plagiarism.
Robert had been at school the entire time—how could he have stolen the core secrets of someone else's shop?
Professor Slughorn was stunned. "How long have you been learning potions… and you can already improve a formula?"
His shock was understandable. Improving a potion formula required not only a deep understanding of potion principles but also a thorough knowledge of herbology and the medicinal properties of ingredients. Yet, Robert seemed to grasp it all.
Robert replied humbly, "I have a pretty good memory. I can remember almost every book I've read."
Tom chimed in, "I can vouch for that. This guy spent ages reading at Flourish and Blotts without buying a single book. I asked him about it, and later, he just wrote down every word from memory with a quick-writing feather pen..."
Thinking back, Tom felt a little sorry for the Galleons he had spent on his own books.
Everyone looked at Robert in shock. Was he even human? No wonder he was so strong...
"That explains a lot…" Professor Slughorn said, his earlier shock replaced by amazement. Given Robert's memory and his understanding of alchemy, it was no surprise that he could improve potion formulas.
"So, Robert's improved formula is really effective?" Annie asked eagerly.
"In my opinion, absolutely!" Professor Slughorn said excitedly. "Of course, we need to brew it to confirm its effectiveness. But if it works, Robert's formula could save more than 2 Galleons per batch while maintaining the same potency! Don't underestimate those 2 Galleons!"
Robert's face lit up. "If this magic potion works, our club funds..."
Professor Slughorn laughed, "You might be rich soon, Robert!"
"It's not that extreme. I just want to help fund the club," Robert said modestly.
"Haha, don't underestimate the spending power of witches, Robert. With your formula, we can sell this potion at least 2 Galleons cheaper than any competitor!"
"But… what if people are skeptical because of the low price?" Robert asked.
"Leave that to me!" Professor Slughorn said confidently. "As long as the potion works, my endorsement will assure everyone of its effectiveness!"
This was why Robert chose to share the formula with Professor Slughorn—his influence would help the potion gain market acceptance quickly.
"But… it hasn't been tested yet. What if it's not effective…" Robert said cautiously.
"I trust my judgment, Robert! In fact, let's test it now! This potion doesn't take long to brew," Professor Slughorn said enthusiastically.
He added, "Don't leave at noon. Have lunch here. You don't have classes on Monday afternoons, right?"
Charlie stood up. "I'll go get lunch for everyone."
"No need," Professor Slughorn waved his hand. "Just ask the house-elves in the castle. They're very efficient."
A house-elf appeared almost immediately, looking nervous at the sight of so many people.
"Please bring lunch to my office. We'll be eating here," Professor Slughorn instructed.
The elf nodded quickly before disappearing with a pop.
"They're not used to being around people," Professor Slughorn explained, then turned to prepare the cauldron and ingredients.
Robert helped him, skillfully processing the potion materials. The others, unfamiliar with the recipe, could only wait and start eating as lunch appeared on the table, courtesy of the house-elves.
By the time everyone finished eating, Professor Slughorn and Robert had brewed the potion.
"Alright, let's test it," Professor Slughorn said eagerly.
"Professor, let me try it first," Robert insisted. It was too risky to let his teacher be the test subject.
"Let me do it! This type of potion is perfect for girls!" Grace exclaimed, eagerly grabbing the bottle.
"Well…" Professor Slughorn was taken aback by her enthusiasm.
"Is it for external application or internal use?" Grace asked.
"It's an ointment. Just apply it externally," Robert explained, cooling the potion with a spell.
Grace tested the temperature, then spread a thin layer on her face.
Tom snickered, "Oh, women…"
Annie glared at him. "What's wrong with wanting to look beautiful?"
Tom was about to retort but stopped when Robert said, "Tom, be nice to our future customers."
Tom grumbled, "Fine…"
Suddenly, Grace exclaimed, "It worked! My freckles are gone!"
Everyone looked at her in amazement. Her face was now flawless, as if she had applied a magical filter.
Professor Slughorn inspected her skin carefully. "Remarkable! This is even better than the commercial versions! We'll have no trouble selling this!"
Everyone was thrilled. The club's funding was secured, and Robert was even more excited. Any excess profit would go towards rebuilding his laboratory in the Somleno family's wizard tower.
"I want to try it too!" Annie said, taking the potion from Grace.
"It smells wonderful! Much better than my mom's cream," Grace said cheerfully.
"If you want more, I can provide it anytime," Robert offered with a smile.
"Really?!" Grace's eyes sparkled.
"Of course. As core members of the club, you get special perks," Robert confirmed.
"That's amazing! If we use this ointment as a prize, girls all over school will join the club!"
Tom watched in silence. Although the club's funding now relied on a beauty product, he still couldn't understand why appearance mattered so much. To him, power was everything. If he could become powerful enough, who would dare call him ugly—even if he went bald or lost his nose?
After leaving Professor Slughorn's office, Robert and Tom headed to the club's new classroom.
Tom glanced around to ensure they were alone before whispering, "I get it now. You refused Professor Slughorn's funding because you planned to use his influence to make money fast!"
Robert smiled, "You're learning, Tom."
Tom then noticed someone standing nervously by the classroom door. "Is that… Abraxas Malfoy? What's he doing here?"
Robert's eyes gleamed. "Remember, Tom, we need to unite all the forces we can. Even people like him."
"But… we just humiliated him. Why would he join us?"
Robert replied, "He's now a traitor among the purebloods. Where else can he go?"
Tom's eyes widened as realization dawned.
At that moment, Abraxas gathered his courage and approached. "Robert… can I… join your mutual aid society?"
(End of this chapter)
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